Sermon Illustrations for Easter 3 (2025)
Illustration
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Martin Luther believed that the story of Paul’s conversion demonstrates that there is no need for special revelation. The reformer commented:
Our Lord God does not purpose some special thing for each individual person, but gives to the whole world — one person like the next — his baptism and gospel. (Complete Sermons, Vol.7, p.271)
John Calvin sees the account in this text as a testimony to “the most excellent mercy of God, is that that man [Paul] is reclaimed unto salvation contrary to the purpose of his mind…” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.368) Regarding God’s use of Ananias to complete Paul’s conversion experience (vv.10ff.), Calvin also writes:
This is assuredly no small honour whereunto it pleaseth God to exalt humankind, as when he chooseth our brethren from amongst us to be interpreters of his will; when as he causeth his holy oracles to sound in the mouth of man, which is naturally given to lying and vanity. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.374)
Mark E.
* * *
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Saul’s understanding of who Jesus is revealed suddenly on the road to Damascus. He encounters Jesus and is admonished by him. Why has Saul been persecuting those who follow Jesus and thereby persecuting Jesus himself? Saul does not recognize the voice and visage of Jesus. Yet, Saul does exactly what he is told to do. His life is forever changed, even his name will be changed. Saul becomes Paul the greatest of all evangelists.
How was Jesus revealed to you? Did you grow up in a family who celebrated the Christian faith? Did you go to church school, learn about Jesus, read scriptures? Or did you come to Jesus and faith in your adulthood, as Saul did? You know, of course, that the “when” doesn’t matter. The “how” doesn’t really matter either. Faith is what matters. When faith takes hold of your heart and your spirit, your life changes. Sometimes your life becomes more challenging, sometimes your life becomes more joyous, but for sure, your life changes. Faith changes us. Thanks be to God.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Revelation 5:11-14
You may have never heard of Thurl Ravenscroft, but you have probably heard him. He did voice work in many Disney animated movies in the 50’s and 60’s. If you have ever watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas then you have heard him sing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
What Ravenscroft was most famous for was uttering one line over and over again as a cartoon advertiser. For fifty years before his death, he voiced the character of Tony the Tiger, exclaiming again and again about Frosted Flakes, “They’re Great!” I like the commercial and I like Frosted Flakes, but are they really “great?”
We use that word ‘great’ in a lot of different ways. We have Great Lakes, Great Plains, Great Expectations and when I’m asked how I’m doing I will often respond, “I’m great.” Great is a flexible word and we use it in a lot of different settings. Doing that perhaps lessens the impact of “great,” however.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, “What is worship? Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient mystery.” Worship in the presence of the Lord must be a great event. The worship scene described in Revelation 5 is a great event of worship and praise. Jesus is honored. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (vs. 12). What will be our response of praise as we stand in the presence of the Lord? That’s what is truly “Grrreat!”
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 5:11-14
It’s one thing to relax at home and read the book and lyrics of a musical. If you know the musical well enough, you might be humming aloud or hearing the songs in your head.
But it’s a whole other experience to be there at the theater, with all the bells and whistles that go with great stage effects, a live orchestra, talented actors, wonderful singers all doing their part to blow you away as a member of the audience. In the case of an unusually good musical, your identity as part of the audience is erased and you become a part of the production, your heart beating in time with the music, tears flowing from your face from joy, sorrow, or a mixture of them both, and a wordless joy that is buoyed up by words and music together..
It makes a difference to be there, and John the Revelator is doing his best so that we become a part of what I like to call Revelation: The Musical. Song and dance punctuate the action in this Revelation again and again. At various times saints, the citizens of heaven, angels, all and everyone, sing aloud, dance effortlessly, and tie these wonderful scenes together as God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
And because these things are part of eternity — it’s what John is seeing right now even while he lives on the prison island of Patmos — they’re still happening right now. Open your hearts to God’s music in God’s world. Get a glimpse of it all in real time.
Frank R.
* * *
John 21:1-19
While the disciples lug their overwhelming catch ashore, they discover that Jesus already had fish and bread cooking over a charcoal fire. Nevertheless, Jesus told them to bring along some of the fish they’d just caught.
Yes, I know you have plenty of dinner ready for your guests, but if someone brings a dish you don’t resent it. You incorporate it into the meal and you celebrate the fact.
Later in the scene Jesus “took the bread,” which sounds very similar to the communion formulas, then gave it to the disciples along with the fish. The word used is opsarion which comes from the root for “seasoning.” It refers to something more like a pickled fish relish. Typically the bread of poor people, it was thicker and harder to chew. Rich people ate soft bread. So one spread some sort of relish, like opsarion, to soften the bread, making eating less of a chore and more of a delight. Jesus is with us in our poverty, because we’re also making the best of things, enjoying sharp and even pungent flavors. It’s why they call it relish. We really savor, enjoy, relish the life together with Jesus.
Frank R.
* * *
John 21:1-19
Have you ever been told to do something that you didn’t understand the reasons for? I am pretty sure those who had been fishing all night and had caught nothing were unsure about following the instructions of the one standing on the shore. Yet, they obeyed, and the catch was almost enough to sink their boats. They then discovered that the one directing them was Jesus.
I had the opportunity to visit Israel and sit on the beach where this event is said to have taken place. I looked out at the water in awe of the space and place I was encountering. I sat in the sandy gravel of the beach and wondered at the fire built by Jesus and the breakfast shared among the disciples. I thought about the conversation Jesus had with Peter and how Peter must have resented being asked over and over if he loved Jesus.
And while I was sitting on that beach, a tiny shell washed ashore. I still hold it in my hand when I pray this scripture — when I reflect on this reminder that the way to love God is to care for God’s people, God’s sheep and lambs. Peter is given a moment of redemption, an opportunity to proclaim his love for Jesus and maybe three times to counter the denials Peter made of even knowing Jesus. I want to be fed by Jesus. I want to be nourished by Jesus. And as much as that I want to cast my nets of faith into the world and bring those without faith into the enveloping, loving embrace of Jesus.
Bonnie B.
* * *
John 21:1-19
A 2023 Gallup poll shows that only 67% of Americans believe in eternal life. Comments by Martin Luther on this lesson seem to address this skepticism. In one of his sermons, the first reformer commented on the awesomeness of what Christ has done for his in his resurrection:
Must not the heart presently start with alarm at its own boldness and say: Do you really think it is true that the great and majestic God, the maker of heaven and earth, has so regarded my misery and so mercifully looked upon me, deeply and manifoldly as I have sinned against him…? How can such grace and such a treasure be grasped by the human heart, or in fact by any creature? (Complete Sermons, vol.1/2, p.330)
Elsewhere, the first reformer offers reflection on the resurrected bodies we shall have, of which Christ’s resurrected body is the first fruit:
No matter how dishonorable or worthless it [the body] is at present, it will return in a form so honorable and precious that its further honor and glory will surpass the present the present shame and dishonor may thousand times. Every creature will be amazed over it, all the angels will sing praises and smile admiringly at it, and God himself will take delight in it. (Luther’s Works, Vol.28, p.187)
It must follow that the resurrection is just as effective in us as it was for him [Christ]… And faith must bring it about that the body’s frail and mortal being is discarded and removed and a different immortal being is put on with a body that can no longer be touched by filth, sickness, mishap, misery, or death but is perfectly pure, healthy, strong, and beautiful, so that not even the point of a needle can injure it. Luther’s Works, Vol.28, p.202)
Mark E.
* * *
John 21:1-19
Forgiveness is an important part of a Christian’s life. Billy Graham once said, “Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary. How much pain and unhappy consequences could be avoided if we all learned the meaning of this word.”
Elizabeth Barrett’s father disapproved of her marriage to Robert Browning so strongly that he never forgave her. She wrote letters to her father seeking reconciliation, but he returned them unopened. Had he opened them and read them, he might have reconciled with her.
Forgiveness and restoration is on display in John 21. Simon Peter and Jesus are having a conversation after breakfast. Jesus asks Simon if he loves him more than these. He asks this question three times, no doubt reminding Peter of the earlier denials. Jesus’ loving challenge for Peter then is to feed and take care of his sheep. Jesus restored Peter in the presence of the other disciples by causing him to face squarely his point of failure; then Jesus challenged Peter to set his eyes on the work ahead. Forgiveness and restoration make a difference. “Have you been to Jesus for his cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”
Bill T.
Martin Luther believed that the story of Paul’s conversion demonstrates that there is no need for special revelation. The reformer commented:
Our Lord God does not purpose some special thing for each individual person, but gives to the whole world — one person like the next — his baptism and gospel. (Complete Sermons, Vol.7, p.271)
John Calvin sees the account in this text as a testimony to “the most excellent mercy of God, is that that man [Paul] is reclaimed unto salvation contrary to the purpose of his mind…” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.368) Regarding God’s use of Ananias to complete Paul’s conversion experience (vv.10ff.), Calvin also writes:
This is assuredly no small honour whereunto it pleaseth God to exalt humankind, as when he chooseth our brethren from amongst us to be interpreters of his will; when as he causeth his holy oracles to sound in the mouth of man, which is naturally given to lying and vanity. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.374)
Mark E.
* * *
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Saul’s understanding of who Jesus is revealed suddenly on the road to Damascus. He encounters Jesus and is admonished by him. Why has Saul been persecuting those who follow Jesus and thereby persecuting Jesus himself? Saul does not recognize the voice and visage of Jesus. Yet, Saul does exactly what he is told to do. His life is forever changed, even his name will be changed. Saul becomes Paul the greatest of all evangelists.
How was Jesus revealed to you? Did you grow up in a family who celebrated the Christian faith? Did you go to church school, learn about Jesus, read scriptures? Or did you come to Jesus and faith in your adulthood, as Saul did? You know, of course, that the “when” doesn’t matter. The “how” doesn’t really matter either. Faith is what matters. When faith takes hold of your heart and your spirit, your life changes. Sometimes your life becomes more challenging, sometimes your life becomes more joyous, but for sure, your life changes. Faith changes us. Thanks be to God.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Revelation 5:11-14
You may have never heard of Thurl Ravenscroft, but you have probably heard him. He did voice work in many Disney animated movies in the 50’s and 60’s. If you have ever watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas then you have heard him sing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
What Ravenscroft was most famous for was uttering one line over and over again as a cartoon advertiser. For fifty years before his death, he voiced the character of Tony the Tiger, exclaiming again and again about Frosted Flakes, “They’re Great!” I like the commercial and I like Frosted Flakes, but are they really “great?”
We use that word ‘great’ in a lot of different ways. We have Great Lakes, Great Plains, Great Expectations and when I’m asked how I’m doing I will often respond, “I’m great.” Great is a flexible word and we use it in a lot of different settings. Doing that perhaps lessens the impact of “great,” however.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, “What is worship? Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient mystery.” Worship in the presence of the Lord must be a great event. The worship scene described in Revelation 5 is a great event of worship and praise. Jesus is honored. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (vs. 12). What will be our response of praise as we stand in the presence of the Lord? That’s what is truly “Grrreat!”
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 5:11-14
It’s one thing to relax at home and read the book and lyrics of a musical. If you know the musical well enough, you might be humming aloud or hearing the songs in your head.
But it’s a whole other experience to be there at the theater, with all the bells and whistles that go with great stage effects, a live orchestra, talented actors, wonderful singers all doing their part to blow you away as a member of the audience. In the case of an unusually good musical, your identity as part of the audience is erased and you become a part of the production, your heart beating in time with the music, tears flowing from your face from joy, sorrow, or a mixture of them both, and a wordless joy that is buoyed up by words and music together..
It makes a difference to be there, and John the Revelator is doing his best so that we become a part of what I like to call Revelation: The Musical. Song and dance punctuate the action in this Revelation again and again. At various times saints, the citizens of heaven, angels, all and everyone, sing aloud, dance effortlessly, and tie these wonderful scenes together as God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
And because these things are part of eternity — it’s what John is seeing right now even while he lives on the prison island of Patmos — they’re still happening right now. Open your hearts to God’s music in God’s world. Get a glimpse of it all in real time.
Frank R.
* * *
John 21:1-19
While the disciples lug their overwhelming catch ashore, they discover that Jesus already had fish and bread cooking over a charcoal fire. Nevertheless, Jesus told them to bring along some of the fish they’d just caught.
Yes, I know you have plenty of dinner ready for your guests, but if someone brings a dish you don’t resent it. You incorporate it into the meal and you celebrate the fact.
Later in the scene Jesus “took the bread,” which sounds very similar to the communion formulas, then gave it to the disciples along with the fish. The word used is opsarion which comes from the root for “seasoning.” It refers to something more like a pickled fish relish. Typically the bread of poor people, it was thicker and harder to chew. Rich people ate soft bread. So one spread some sort of relish, like opsarion, to soften the bread, making eating less of a chore and more of a delight. Jesus is with us in our poverty, because we’re also making the best of things, enjoying sharp and even pungent flavors. It’s why they call it relish. We really savor, enjoy, relish the life together with Jesus.
Frank R.
* * *
John 21:1-19
Have you ever been told to do something that you didn’t understand the reasons for? I am pretty sure those who had been fishing all night and had caught nothing were unsure about following the instructions of the one standing on the shore. Yet, they obeyed, and the catch was almost enough to sink their boats. They then discovered that the one directing them was Jesus.
I had the opportunity to visit Israel and sit on the beach where this event is said to have taken place. I looked out at the water in awe of the space and place I was encountering. I sat in the sandy gravel of the beach and wondered at the fire built by Jesus and the breakfast shared among the disciples. I thought about the conversation Jesus had with Peter and how Peter must have resented being asked over and over if he loved Jesus.
And while I was sitting on that beach, a tiny shell washed ashore. I still hold it in my hand when I pray this scripture — when I reflect on this reminder that the way to love God is to care for God’s people, God’s sheep and lambs. Peter is given a moment of redemption, an opportunity to proclaim his love for Jesus and maybe three times to counter the denials Peter made of even knowing Jesus. I want to be fed by Jesus. I want to be nourished by Jesus. And as much as that I want to cast my nets of faith into the world and bring those without faith into the enveloping, loving embrace of Jesus.
Bonnie B.
* * *
John 21:1-19
A 2023 Gallup poll shows that only 67% of Americans believe in eternal life. Comments by Martin Luther on this lesson seem to address this skepticism. In one of his sermons, the first reformer commented on the awesomeness of what Christ has done for his in his resurrection:
Must not the heart presently start with alarm at its own boldness and say: Do you really think it is true that the great and majestic God, the maker of heaven and earth, has so regarded my misery and so mercifully looked upon me, deeply and manifoldly as I have sinned against him…? How can such grace and such a treasure be grasped by the human heart, or in fact by any creature? (Complete Sermons, vol.1/2, p.330)
Elsewhere, the first reformer offers reflection on the resurrected bodies we shall have, of which Christ’s resurrected body is the first fruit:
No matter how dishonorable or worthless it [the body] is at present, it will return in a form so honorable and precious that its further honor and glory will surpass the present the present shame and dishonor may thousand times. Every creature will be amazed over it, all the angels will sing praises and smile admiringly at it, and God himself will take delight in it. (Luther’s Works, Vol.28, p.187)
It must follow that the resurrection is just as effective in us as it was for him [Christ]… And faith must bring it about that the body’s frail and mortal being is discarded and removed and a different immortal being is put on with a body that can no longer be touched by filth, sickness, mishap, misery, or death but is perfectly pure, healthy, strong, and beautiful, so that not even the point of a needle can injure it. Luther’s Works, Vol.28, p.202)
Mark E.
* * *
John 21:1-19
Forgiveness is an important part of a Christian’s life. Billy Graham once said, “Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary. How much pain and unhappy consequences could be avoided if we all learned the meaning of this word.”
Elizabeth Barrett’s father disapproved of her marriage to Robert Browning so strongly that he never forgave her. She wrote letters to her father seeking reconciliation, but he returned them unopened. Had he opened them and read them, he might have reconciled with her.
Forgiveness and restoration is on display in John 21. Simon Peter and Jesus are having a conversation after breakfast. Jesus asks Simon if he loves him more than these. He asks this question three times, no doubt reminding Peter of the earlier denials. Jesus’ loving challenge for Peter then is to feed and take care of his sheep. Jesus restored Peter in the presence of the other disciples by causing him to face squarely his point of failure; then Jesus challenged Peter to set his eyes on the work ahead. Forgiveness and restoration make a difference. “Have you been to Jesus for his cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”
Bill T.
